FOREVER KNIGHTS: #4 Battling Black Roses

WaterRose, Meadow Mountain, Grier Country

SEBASTIAN

“Sebastian.” There was a tentative knock on his chamber door this afternoon. Startling Bast from tucking new tunics into the armoire in his chamber. He stilled and turned to the door at the sound of her voice.

“Come in.”

She did, dutifully.

What’s this newfound obedience about? Curiosity had him tucking his tunic in the armoire and closing the door to give her his undivided attention.

His couldn’t keep his gaze from moving to her lovely slim form in deep purple silk, to the large four-poster bed beyond her.

She noticed but said nothing.

She looks uncomfortable. Like a child caught doing wrong.

“What is it? Why have you come here?”

“I’m sorry.” She blurted.

“For what?”

“For hurting you. For making-” She gestured to him helplessly. “For that-whatever.”

“My neck and side?” He gestured absentmindedly.

“Yes.” She sobbed. Covering her mouth in horror.

“That wasn’t your fault.” His brow knitted. He tilted his head in confusion.

“Then what was it?”

“My emotions.”

“You were mad at me!”

“And I should’ve done better at controlling myself.” He said. Feeling a touch of shame that she was clearly disturbed by what she’d seen.

Rightfully so, I suppose. Why hadn’t it occurred to me she would be? It’s a brutal sight.

I didn’t think it’d matter to her. He defended.

“It did occur to me to apologize to you.” He murmured. Eyes falling before returning to her.

Hers rounded at his confession. And her head jerked back.

“There was no reason to yell at you like that. I’m sorry I lost my temper with you.”

“Why did you not come say so, then?” A touch of outrage tinged her voice.

“I figured you’d prefer my absence to my presence telling you so.”

“No.”

“What?”

“No. That’s not right.” She murmured from a ducked head. Peering at him from below lowered lashes.

“You’d have wanted to hear it?”

“To hear the great King of the Castle of Water apologize to his mere captive?”

“Is that a teasing note in your voice?” He laughed.

She shrugged.

It was.

“You’re no mere woman, Elsabet. You’re a world apart from the rest, amazing. The one I want for my mate.”

And intend to have. If I quit complicating things…

Shock was written over her face. She clutched her skirts and took a hesitant step back. Before gasping and turning.

He returned to his armoire even as she tore across the room aimed for the door. “Go ahead. Run, Little Harpie.”

I’m closing in.

He opened the armoire. “Come back to me anytime.”

She slowed at the door to give him a look.

“You’re always welcome in my chamber…And in my bed.” He felt her still standing there staring at him as he moved another tunic within the armoire.

When his eyes went to her he found her standing there, jaw agape. After their eyes locked a moment, she fled.

Eventually you’ll tire of running. And when you do, I’ll be right here waiting.

If he shut his eyes, he could still recall the scent of her as he’d made love to her. Hear the sounds she’d made and feel her desperately clutching at his back and shoulders.

He pictured her standing in the doorway just now. When he’d invited her to his bed anytime she wished. Seen the shock intermingled with a flicker of desire.

I’ll feel you again.

He tucked another shirt in the cupboard and slammed the door purposefully.